Carrying Device

ABSTRACT

A carrying device has a lifting member with a first end, a second end, and a middle between its first and second ends. A spreading member has a first end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to the first and second ends of the lifting member. A first hanging member is adjacent to the first end of the spreading member and a second hanging member is adjacent to the second end of the spreading member. The lifting portion is adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user&#39;s shoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the first and second hanging members.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present teachings relate generally to systems and methods forcarrying items and, more particularly, to devices for improving thecarrying of multiple items.

BACKGROUND

Often people use different types of bags to carry various items fromplace to place. For example, when going to the beach one might havemultiple bags for towels, food, and other items. Often people use a typeof canvass bag sometimes referred to as a “boat bag.”

However, there is a limit to the number of bags, and as a result thenumber of items, that can be carried by a person. Often, a person maytry to carry multiple bags in each hand. However, this can cause bodilystress and fatigue on different parts of the body, including one'sfingers, arms, and shoulders. Carrying items like this is awkward andoften the weight is not evenly distributed.

This occurs in many other situations as well. For example, when going ona trip and carrying bags (and other items) between the house and one'scar. The number of bags (and other items) increases with the number ofindividuals. This puts additional responsibility on parents, forexample, who must carry their children's items as well as their own.

Therefore, it would be beneficial to have an alternative system andmethod for carrying multiple items.

SUMMARY

The needs set forth herein as well as further and other needs andadvantages are addressed by the present embodiments, which illustratesolutions and advantages described below.

The system of the present embodiment includes but is not limited to acarrying device. It has a lifting member with a first end, a second end,and a middle between its first and second ends. A spreading member has afirst end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to thefirst and second ends of the lifting member. A first hanging member isadjacent to the first end of the spreading member. A second hangingmember is adjacent to the second end of the spreading member. Thelifting portion is adapted such that its middle portion hangs from auser's shoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from thefirst and second hanging members.

Other embodiments of the system and method are described in detail belowand are also part of the present teachings.

For a better understanding of the present embodiments, together withother and further aspects thereof, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings and detailed description, and its scope will be pointed out inthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one embodiment of the carrying deviceaccording to the present teachings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing additional hanging members on the carryingdevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the carrying device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the carrying device of FIG. 1 being employedto carry items.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the spreading member of thecarrying device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one embodiment of the carrying deviceaccording to the present teachings.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the spreading member of thecarrying device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present teachings are described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which the present embodimentsare shown. The following description is presented for illustrativepurposes only and the present teachings should not be limited to theseembodiments.

In compliance with the statute, the present teachings have beendescribed in language more or less specific as to structural andmethodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the presentteachings are not limited to the specific features shown and described,since the systems and methods herein disclosed comprise preferred formsof putting the present teachings into effect.

For purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are setforth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. inorder to provide a thorough understanding. In other instances, detaileddescriptions of well-known devices methods are omitted so as not toobscure the description with unnecessary detail.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted accordingto their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitlydefined otherwise herein. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus,component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referringto at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means,step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methoddisclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact orderdisclosed, unless explicitly stated. The use of “first”, “second,” etc.for different features/components of the present disclosure are onlyintended to distinguish the features/components from other similarfeatures/components and not to impart any order or hierarchy to thefeatures/components.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on thisapplication in interpreting the claims appended hereto, it is noted thatnone of the appended claims or claim elements are intended to invoke 35U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitlyused in the particular claim.

Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a diagram of one embodiment of thecarrying device according to the present teachings. The carrying device100 may include a lifting member 102, a spreading member 106, and one ormore hanging members 110, although not limited thereto. The liftingmember 102 may be adapted to hang from a structure, such as a user'sshoulder, such as by having padding 104 (e.g., a shoulder pad, etc.), amolded plastic area for the shoulder, etc. Shoulder padding couldinclude a textured surface (e.g., rubber, etc.) to assist with keepingthe lifting member 102 in place on a user's shoulder and could alsoinclude a pocket or other storage area, although not limited thereto.The lifting member 102 may be formed from various materials, includingrope, strap, etc. In one embodiment, it may be formed from a strap(e.g., nylon, etc.). For example, it may comprise a strap that isapproximately 1″ wide, 1.5″ wide, 2″ wide, 2.5″ wide, 3″ wide, etc.

The spreading member 106 may be disposed between two portions of thelifting member 102. In such a way, it may be rigid to keep thoseportions separated from each other. The lifting member 102 may beadjustable so that it can be made shorter or longer 108 to accommodatedifferent desired lengths. A desired length may be determined accordingto the needs of the user, such as the user's size, or the size of itemsto be carried by the carrying device 100. The spreading member 106 maybe formed from various materials, including plastic, metal, wood, etc.In one embodiment, it may be a telescoping aluminum pole.

The spreading member 106 may connect with the lifting member 102 indifferent ways. For example, it may affix to the lifting member 102 by aconnecting member comprising screws, nuts, bolts, or other fasteners. Itmay also be removably connected by snaps, a clevis pin, or otherremovable fasteners.

The carrying device 100 may have one or more hanging members 110 forcarrying various items. The hanging members 110 may be positionedadjacent to opposite ends of the spreading member 106, which may keepitems being carried separated to reduce interference with each other.The hanging members 110 may be formed from various materials, includingplastic, metal, etc. In one embodiment, the hanging members 110 may beplastic and/or composite and/or metal hooks adapted to accept baghandles. In another embodiment, the hanging members 110 may alsocomprise rings and carabiners, although not limited thereto.

Each hanging member 110 may be connected to a lifting member 102. Forexample, a lifting member 102 made of strap may be sewn around thehanging member 110 to secure it. However, each hanging member 110 mayalso be connected to the spreading member 106, for example, mounted ontoits ends, although not limited thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a diagram showing additional hangingmembers 110 on the carrying device of FIG. 1. The lifting member 102 maycontinue below the spreading member 106 and provide for additionalhanging members 110. The additional hanging members 110 may be formedfrom the lifting member 102 and/or may be in the form of extensions 200that separately connect with the lifting member 102, although notlimited thereto.

In addition, hanging members 110 may be provided at other locations,including between the two ends of the spreading member 106. It is to beappreciated that the carrying device 100 may be adapted with any numberof different hanging members 110 positioned at any number of locations,as may be desirable for the items being carried. For example, hooks maybe mounted on the bottom of the spreading member 106, e.g., for hangingbeach chairs, although not limited thereto. The carrying device 100 mayalso comprise cubbyholes or other compartments for carrying items. Forexample, it may comprise an umbrella holder with a generally cylindricalshape for receiving the bottom of an umbrella. It is appreciated thatany number of compartments could be formed for carrying different items.

Referring now to FIG. 7, shown is a diagram showing the carrying device100 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the carrying device 100 comprises abumper 702 or other offset to keep the spreading member 106 a distanceaway from a user. For example, if carrying beach chairs with hooksunderneath the spreading member 106 it may be preferable to keep itapproximately 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches from the user, although notlimited thereto. This way the chairs may not interfere with the user'smovement. Bumper 702 (or “offset”) may comprise a cushion mounted to thespreading member 106, molded plastic, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a diagram of another embodiment of thecarrying device 300. In this embodiment, the carrying device 300 isformed from molded plastic. In this way, it may be formed from a singlepiece of plastic (or other material), although not limited thereto. Itmay have a generally triangular shape adapted for carrying it on auser's shoulder and with hanging members 302 for carrying items. In thisway, the carrying device 300 could be made inexpensively, with a singlepiece of plastic forming the lifting member, the spreading member,and/or the hanging members.

Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a diagram showing the carrying device100 of FIG. 1 being employed to carry items 402. As shown, the liftingmember 102 may hang on a user's shoulder. This may free the user's handsand reduce finger, arm, and shoulder fatigue while still allowing thecarrying of multiple items 402, such as bags. The spreading member 106may provide a convenient resting place for the user's arm. A pad ormolded member may be provided for the user's arm.

Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a diagram showing the spreading member106 of the carrying device 100 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, spreadingmember 106 is adjustable by sliding inner member 504 within outer member502. A desired length of spreading member 106 is locked by inner member504's retractable pin 506 that fits into outer member 502's orifices508. Spreading member 106 may also have a pad 510 connected to outermember 502 for resting a user's arm.

The carrying device 100 may also include additional design elements tofacilitate carrying specific items. For example, it may have removablebags on the hanging member 110 and/or the spreading member 106. In oneembodiment, a zippered bag for carrying smaller items such as money,mobile phone, etc., may be removably affixed to the hanging member 110and/or the spreading member 106.

In one embodiment, the spreading device may have a shoulder restunderneath. This may be, for example, a pad, molded plastic, etc. Inthis way, a user may raise the carrying device by placing the spreadingdevice on their shoulder, which may be preferable when going up and downstairs, etc., so the carrying items may not interfere with the user'smovements.

In another embodiment, the spreading device may have posts that extendup and/or down from the spreading device. Such posts may provide foradditional hanging members at different heights to accommodate differentcarrying items, terrain (e.g., stairs vs. flat ground), users, etc.

The spreading device may also have an arced shape so that it at leastpartially wraps around a user. In this way, the carrying items may bepositioned directly in front of and behind the user when being carried,although not limited thereto. The spreading device may even fully wraparound the user such that it is a complete circle, although not limitedthereto. It is to be appreciated that the spreading device may extendanywhere from 25 degrees to 360 degrees around the user, and maypreferably extend approximately 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140,150, 160, 170, or 180 degrees around the user, although not limitedthereto.

A carrying device according to the present teachings is useful in anumber of situations where people often carry multiple items. Forexample, carrying grocery bags at the store, beach bags at the beach,weekend bags while traveling or taking car trips, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a diagram of one embodiment of thecarrying device according to the present teachings. In this embodiment,a carrying system 600 comprises two carrying devices 100. In this way,each carrying device 100 may be worn by a user on different shoulders.Each carrying device 100 may connect or otherwise be secured with theother. For example, a cross member 602 (depicted as a backpack) connectseach carrying device 100 across the back of a user. It is alsoappreciated that another cross member (not shown) can connect eachcarrying device 100 across the front of a user's chest. It is alsoappreciated that cross member 602 can alternatively be a strap, etc.that goes across the back of a user, although not limited thereto.

While the present teachings have been described above in terms ofspecific embodiments, it is to be understood that they are not limitedto these disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and other embodimentswill come to mind to those skilled in the art to which this pertains,and which are intended to be and are covered by this disclosure. It isintended that the scope of the present teachings should be determined byproper interpretation and construction of this disclosure and its legalequivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon thespecification and the attached drawings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A carrying device, comprising: a strap forming alifting member, having a first end, a second end, and a middle betweenits first and second ends; a rigid spreading member having a first endand a second end, its first and second ends connected to the first andsecond ends of the lifting member; a first hook adjacent to the firstend of the spreading member; a second hook adjacent to the second end ofthe spreading member; the lifting portion adapted such that its middleportion hangs from a user's shoulder in order to facilitate carryingitems hanging from the first and second hooks.
 2. The carrying device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a shoulder pad on an underside of thelifting member.
 3. The carrying device of claim 2, wherein the shoulderpad comprises molded plastic.
 4. The carrying device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a shoulder pad on an underside of the spreading member. 5.The carrying device of claim 4, wherein the shoulder pad comprisesmolded plastic.
 6. The carrying device of claim 1, further comprising: athird hook adjacent to the first end of the spreading member; a fourthhook adjacent to the second end of the spreading member.
 7. The carryingdevice of claim 1, wherein the spreading device comprises a curvedshape.
 8. The carrying device of claim 7, wherein the curved shape wrapsaround the user between approximately 90 to 180 degrees.
 9. The carryingdevice of claim 1, further comprising a bag.
 10. The carrying device ofclaim 1, wherein the bag is affixed to the spreading device.
 11. Thecarrying device of claim 1, further comprising an offset to keep thespreading device at least 2 inches from the user.
 12. A carrying device,comprising: a lifting member having a first end, a second end, and amiddle between its first and second ends; a spreading member having afirst end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to thefirst and second ends of the lifting member; a first hanging memberadjacent to the first end of the spreading member; a second hangingmember adjacent to the second end of the spreading member; the liftingportion adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user'sshoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the firstand second hanging members.
 13. The carrying device of claim 12,wherein: the lifting member comprises a strap; the spreading membercomprises an elongated rigid member adapted to keep the first and secondends of the lifting member separated; the first and second hangingmembers comprise rings at the end of straps and at least one carbine oneach ring.
 14. A carrying system, comprising: a first carrying deviceaccording to claim 12; a second carrying device according to claim 12; asecuring member connecting the first and second carrying devices acrossa user's body.
 15. The carrying device of claim 12, wherein the liftingmember and the spreading member are formed from a single piece of moldedplastic.
 16. A method of carrying items using a carrying device, thecarrying device having: a lifting member having a first end, a secondend, and a middle between its first and second ends; a spreading memberhaving a first end and a second end, its first and second ends connectedto the first and second ends of the lifting member; a first hangingmember adjacent to the first end of the spreading member; a secondhanging member adjacent to the second end of the spreading member; thelifting portion adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user'sshoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the firstand second hanging members; the method comprising: attaching a firstcarrying item to the first hanging member; attaching a second carryingitem to the second hanging member; and raising the lifting member ontothe user's shoulder.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein thefirst and second hanging members comprise hooks.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 16, further comprising raising the spreading memberonto the user's shoulder.
 19. The method according to claim 16, whereinthe spreading device extends at least 90 degrees about a circumferenceof the user's body.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the spreadingdevice has a curved shape.